Page 468 - Week 02 - Tuesday, 21 February 2012
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The government bill outlines the review process for a young person for whom the director-general has and does not have parental responsibility, in clause 8, proposed new sections 529F and 529G. When reviewing transition plans it is necessary to distinguish the responsibilities of the director-general when he has and does not have parental responsibility. When the director-general has parental responsibility a transition plan must be reviewed at least once each year, in consultation with the young person and other relevant stakeholders. When the director-general does not have parental responsibility the transition plan review process will be voluntary and a decision for the young person. This differing approach recognises that the director-general is no longer the territory parent, the young person is no longer residing in state care and a carer or family member may have enduring parental responsibility for the young person.
The government’s bill outlines assistance for young people after leaving out-of-home care, up to the age of 25 years. The supports will be voluntary, and assessment will be based on the young person’s needs. The focus of this support will be advice, referral and assistance to access commonwealth and ACT services, accessing their personal records and accessing counselling as required.
The government’s bill enables young adults who were in out-of-home care to access the same rights and responsibilities as all young adults in the ACT.
In clause 8, proposed new section 529I, the government bill states that the director-general “may provide services that the director-general considers appropriate”. This language is clear and consistent in outlining the responsibilities of the director-general, while not extending the obligations of the ACT government. These amendments ensure that services can be provided within the allocated resources.
Ms Hunter’s bill also provides for post-care supports. Clause 19, proposed new section 529J(1), states that the director-general must provide services they consider appropriate. However, at section 529J(3), the bill states:
This section does not require the director-general to pay for any service.
These provisions in the bill are unclear in their intent and may create a conflict for caseworkers when they are administering the bill.
The government’s bill clearly articulates our support for providing stronger support for children as they exit from out-of-home care up to the age of 25. Quite clearly, our budget appropriation over four years to put in place a transition team puts us well and clearly on the map of providing those supports to young people as they exit from out-of-home care.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
Bill agreed to in principle.
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